A feature of certain classical openings is the number of forgotten variations they contain. This makes them an excellent source for investigation as if one of your lines springs a leak there are usually alternatives that can be prepared. The Queen’s Gambit Declined is good for this, there are dozens of playable options for Black. … Continue reading "Forgotten Variations" The post...

“A wise man can learn more from a foolish question than a fool can learn from a wise answer” Bruce Lee A quick reminder how it works: Have a look at the position for 1 minute (watch the clock) Think about the choices in front of you and pick the one you feel it is … Continue reading "“What Say You?” The 1 Minute Challenge (43)" The post “What Say You?”...

In his preface to the 4th edition of Forcing Chess Moves, Charles Hertan tells a ‘curious anecdote’ concerning the Riga Variation of the Ruy Lopez. It might be a curious anecdote, but it’s also a curious oversight. The Riga Variation starts like this: 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 a6 4. Ba4 Nf6 … Continue reading "Ruy Lopez Riga Variation" The post Ruy Lopez Riga Variation...

Happy Thanksgiving everyone! I know there may not be a great deal to be thankful for seeing as we’re in the middle of a global pandemic and political turmoil here in the United States. However, if you’re reading this, you’re alive and that is indeed a good thing. Like a suddenly appearing chaotic position on … Continue reading "Preparing for the Endgame Nine" The post...

The Champions Chess Tour, launched by the Play Magnus Group, replaces the hugely-popular Magnus Carlsen Chess Tour put on earlier this year.

One of the most profound influences on my chess was the Estonian Grandmaster Paul Keres. My father presented me with one of his books when I was a kid (‘The Middle Years of Paul Keres’) and I studied it carefully. One of the openings I would adopt because of Keres was the Steinitz Deferred line … Continue reading "Learning from Keres" The post Learning from Keres appeared first...

The Italian Chess Federation organised the Open, Women and Junior Individual Online Chess Championships in the period from 13th-23rd November 2020, and announced the respective winners: Valsecchi Alessio, Zimina Olga, Di Benedetto Edoardo and Raccanello Marianna. The event consisted of three stages: Qualification stage played within 2 groups whose winners proceeded to Semifinals and eventually...

22-years old Grandmaster Sanal Vahap defended the title of the Turkish Chess Champion, in the recently played Turkish Chess Championship, which took place from 13-21 November 2020 in Kemer, Antalya. Sanal Vahap won the event convincingly, as the top seed, scoring 7 points out of 9 played games. Second place came to IM Melih Yurtseven [...]

“Choices are the hinges of destiny” Pythagoras In the previous article I presented the critical moments in two of the games played by my student in the 2020 National Active Youth tournament sanctioned by the Chess Federation of Canada. You can review it here This week we continue with the remaining 3 games. Round 4 … Continue reading "Quick Decisions (3)" The post Quick Decisions (3)...